Apply steroid creams only to itchy or red spots (not to the normal skin).

Most children have 2 types of steroid creams. (1) A mild steroid cream is used to treat any pink spots or mild itching. This is often 1% hydrocortisone cream (such as Cortaid). No prescription is needed. (2) Another stronger steroid cream is needed to treat any spots with severe itching. This is a prescription steroid cream such as Synalar. Never apply this stronger cream to the face.

Apply these creams as directed or 2 times per day.

After the rash quiets down, apply it once per day. After 1 good week just use moisturizing cream.

Bathing - Avoid Soaps:

Give one bath a day for 10 minutes in lukewarm water. Reason: Water-soaked skin feels less itchy. Follow the bath with a moisturizing cream (such as Eucerin) to all the skin.

Avoid all soaps. Reason: Eczema is very sensitive to soaps, especially bubble bath. There is no safe soap for young children with eczema. They can be cleaned using warm water.

Allergy Medicine for Itching at Bedtime:

Many children with eczema need an allergy medicine by mouth at bedtime.

Reason: Scratching in bed can cause severe skin breakdown. It may also interfere with falling sleep.

Give the med your child's doctor wanted you to use for itching.

If none was suggested, you can try Benadryl at bedtime. No prescription is needed.

Caution: Do not use if age is under 1 year. Reason: Benadryl is a sedative. Give your doctor a call for advice.

Itching Attack - Shower to Remove Irritants:

Playing in the grass, being around animals, or swimming can cause increased itching.

For itching from these causes, give your child a quick shampoo and shower.

Itching Attack - Treatment:

At the first sign of any itching, use the steroid cream. Put it on the areas that itch. If unsure, apply 1% hydrocortisone cream (such as Cortaid). No prescription is needed.

Keep your child's fingernails cut short and smooth.

Ask older children to try not to itch, but never punish for itching.

For constant itching in young children, cover the hands with socks or gloves. Use for a day or until the itching is brought under control. Provide extra cuddling during this time.

Return to School:

Eczema cannot be spread to others.

Children with eczema do not need to miss any child care or school.

What to Expect:

Eczema is a chronic condition. Around the teen years, about half get over their eczema.

Many children who have severe eczema as babies develop asthma and nasal allergies.

Call Your Doctor If:

Itching is not under control after 2 days of steroid cream

Rash looks infected (spreading redness, yellow scabs or pus)

You think your child needs to be seen

Your child becomes worse

Prevention of Eczema Flare-Ups

Tips to Help Prevent Flare-Ups:

Some flare-ups of eczema cannot be explained. But others are triggered by things that can be avoided.

Photos

This is how eczema can appear on the cheeks of a child. The skin is red, dry, cracked and swollen. Your child may find it itchy.

Source: Self Care Decisions, LLCFrom the Dr. William Weston Collection of Pediatric Dermatology. Used with permission.

Eczema-Teen

This shows eczema in the elbow crease of a teen. The skin is dry, cracked and swollen. It may be itchy.

Source: Self Care Decisions, LLCFrom the Dr. James Fitzpatrick Collection of Pediatric Dermatology. Used with permission.

Eczema - Teen

This shows eczema in the elbow crease of a teen. The skin is dry and may be itchy. It also shows loss of skin pigment (color), which may happen in people with dark skin. Eczema can cause the skin color to be darker or lighter.

Source: Self Care Decisions, LLCFrom the Dr. James Fitzpatrick Collection of Pediatric Dermatology. Used with permission.

Barton Schmitt MD, FAAP

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.